Nourishing NYC and the Columbia/Barnard Hillel are Packing It Up For Purim to Help Feed Those In Need

NEW YORK, NY, March 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) Sending friends and relatives gift packages for Purim, traditionally called mishloach manot, is a long-standing Jewish practice. But this year, it's getting a new twist as several thousand people in the New York metropolitan area are collecting and distributing packages of food to those in need through food pantries such as Nourishing NYC.

"I really enjoy the hands-on part," said Harron Zimmerman, one of more than 40 people from UJA-Federation's Emerging Leaders & Philanthropists (ELP) who assembled 700 packages on an evening in late February. "These kinds of events are where it's at," said Zimmerman, who is chair of volunteer events for ELP. "Packaging food is an integral part of helping." Lisa Kahn, a chair of the ELP collection event, said, "It was fun to participate. Everybody knew that the packages were for a good cause."

On March 17th, Nourishing NYC and volunteers will be distributing the Purim packs to families in need in East Harlem. The goal of the day is to make sure that over 100 families receive food they need to survive.

"The Columbia/Barnard Hillel are always coming up with great ways to help the community they live and go to school in we've gotten a wonderful reception and great results from clients. We could not be more pleased to partner with Columbia/Barnard Hillel," says Nourishing NYC Chef and CEO Gina Keatley.

To be a part of these great events, sponsor a class, or to get more details go to http://nourishingnyc.org/ or mail us at 419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003.

Nourishing NYC's mission is to alleviate the strong correlation between low-income status and poor dietary health. Nourishing NYC provides nutritious meals and nutritional educational without question and without criticism. Anyone is welcome regardless of age, sex, race, financial qualifications, or religious beliefs. Nourishing NYC was opened in 2008 to address deprived nutrition, poor health and hunger—large issues facing poverty-stricken communities in New York City. At Nourishing NYC, we strive to achieve the mission of "Nutrition for All" through a three-pronged approach of feed, educate and advocate.

Columbia/Barnard Hillel is the catalyst for students to explore and consciously define their Jewish identity. Our quest is to help students, regardless of their origin or destination, find their own interpretation of Jewish values, culture, community and religion by empowering them to explore, learn, and grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. By encouraging exploration in warm and accepting environments, we invite self-reflection and open dialogue so each student can discover their own path to integrate being Jewish into their life choices and expressions.